CRAWFORD, James F. - 1890 Bio (1833-1903)

CRAWFORD, FLETCHER, CAMPBELL, SHAFFER, MEDES

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/2/2007 at 16:18:38

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 178 and 181

James F. CRAWFORD, a leading grocer of Fairfield, has been continuously engaged in his present line of business since 1862, covering a period of twenty-eight consecutive years. He is a Virginian by birth and is of Scotch (sic) and English descent. His father, James CRAWFORD, was a native of Westmoreland County, Pa., and married Margaret FLETCHER, who was born in Butler County of the same State. Their marriage, however, was celebrated in Virginia, whither they had removed with their respective families in youth. By trade Mr. CRAWFORD was a blacksmith and followed that business as a means of support until his death, which occurred, from cholera, in 1834, at which time three of his sons also died from the same disease. Some years later, in 1849, his widow removed with their family to Fairfield, Iowa, where she spent the remainder of her days, dying at the age of eighty-two years.

Our subject was born in Brook County, Va, now West Virginia, on the 28th of June, 1833, and spent his boyhood days in his native State. When a youth of seventeen years he started for the West, whither his mother had preceded him, and journeying by boat at length reached the Iowa shore and proceeded on his way to Fairfield. Arrived at his destination, he entered the employ of his brother-in-law, Joel E. CAMPBELL, with whom he remained as general salesman for six years. At the expiration of that time, forming a partnership with G. M. Chilcott, he bought out his employer. Three months later the stock was divided, Mr. Chilcott taking it to Nebraska, where he traded it for real estate, but the property proved of little value and caused a fall of the house in the financial crash of 1857. Mr. CRAWFORD gathered what he could from the ruins and once more embarked in business, his location being Salina, Iowa. One year later he again traded for real estate, and on his return from the West secured a position as salesman with Daniel Young, a dry-goods merchant. When the war broke out he enlisted in Company E, Second Iowa Infantry, but when the regiment was mustered in he was rejected. Soon afterwards he received an appointment from President Lincoln as Postmaster of Fairfield, and held the position during a portion of Johnson's administration, his term covering a period of six years. In the meantime, in 1862, in company with David Acheson, he embarked in the grocery business, which he has continued up to the present time with fair success. About 1863 he enlisted in the Forty-fifty Iowa Infantry (one hundred day men) and served until the expiration of his term. His partner, David Acheson, carried on the grocery business in his absence, but after his return from the war the connection was discontinued, Mr. CRAWFORD having since been alone in business.

In Fairfield, Iowa, in the month of May, 1867, Mr. CRAWFORD led to the marriage altar Miss Charlotte A. SHAFFER, daughter of William SHAFFER, and a native of Zanesville, Ohio. Unto them has been born one child, a daughter, Margaret, who is now the wife of Harry W. MEDES, of Fairfield. Mrs. CRAWFORD is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In political sentiment Mr. CRAWFORD is a stanch Republican, having supported that party since its organization. In addition to the office of Postmaster he has served in various official positions, was nine terms City Treasurer, was also Alderman several times and Township Trustee. Socially, he is a member of the Legion of Honor, the Red Cross and the Odd Fellows fraternity.

In his business ventures Mr. CRAWFORD has been quite successful, notwithstanding he has met with several drawbacks. In 1883 his store building and residence were destroyed by fire and the insurance being small he lost heavily, about $3,500. With characteristic energy, however, he rebuilt and was fast gaining his old position, when he had the misfortune to lose $2,500 in a bank failure. Industry, enterprise and determination, however, have overcome these obstacles, and his business is now in a flourishing condition, his annual sales amounting from $30,000 to $40,000. He is regarded as one of the leading business men of Fairfield, is genial and courteous in disposition and wins hosts of friends.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.